Colombian Navy Public Affairs

Carrying 30 tons of humanitarian aid for Colombia, the US Navy ship USS Oak Hill, arrived in Cartagena on November 16.

The donated articles include wheelchairs, surgical supplies, water filters, and pharmaceutical products, among other items.

The aid will be given chiefly to people affected by the winter, through the National Army, Connection Colombia, and two foundations headquartered in Montería.

Before arriving in Cartagena, the ship spent a month in Turbo, Antioquia in the central northwestern part of Colombia, supporting humanitarian work and carrying out joint training with the Colombian Marines.

The ship, 186 meters long and 26 meters wide, carries a complete equipment complement, including transport vehicles, dual-rotor helicopters, and amphibious units. The crew is made up of 700 U.S. Armed Forces personnel, three of whom are of Colombian origin.

Captain Arturo García, head of the humanitarian mission on board the USS Oak Hill, highlighted the importance of carrying out these kinds of activities and the joint training with the Colombian Marines.

“The ship is coming from Virginia and has been in the Caribbean for three months of training. It’s very important for us to work hand-in-hand with Colombia,” García reiterated.